Masdevallia Bud Blast

[RoutineDisco]

Hi, I recently got a masdevallia monogona and it just experienced bud blast. I usually run a humidifier to cool my area down and last night I forgot to refill, then I was in a hurry this morning and I think it got too warm and dry. Admittedly this was an impulse buy (recently got into orchids so I got a bit too excited upon seeing several new species at a greenhouse) and my current room really runs warm with basically no way to cool it down (I’m in a dorm and AC doesn’t work) which is why it’s always under humidifier.

Should I cut the spike or anything, and is there any chance it’ll bloom again later this summer? I haven’t been able to find too much on this particular species of masdevallia and I’d really appreciate general tips on it or on temperature maintenance in a home. I’m moving into an apartment in a month so I am hoping to make a cloud forest terrarium where I’d most likely also maintain temperature though a fogger and a computer fan if you all think that would work.

[Roberta]

Don't cut the spike. Some Masevalias re-bloom on old spikes. I don't know if this is one of them. It certainly does no harm to leave it. If the plant is done with it, it'll dry up turn brown. If it stays green, it is very possible to get another flower from the same spike. Patience...

[estación seca]

It took me a really long time to acknowledge I shouldn't get particular orchids until after I arrange the right place for them. I said acknowledge because I still break the rule.

[RJSquirrel]

they will blast if they get too warm. the leaves will start to fail also if you dont keep them well humified. a frog fogger in small terrariums work great . mine get well hosed twice a day in their little happy home.

good luck!!!

[RoutineDisco]

Thanks for the tips, I guess the high humidity has been preventing total die-off for now 😭. Is the fogger in your terrarium enough to keep them cool? I think the average temp when I move will be about 10F cooler than now - probably 70’s in day but 60’s at night. Will they adjust to that as long as there’s a temp drop? Because I’m seeing people say they need 50’s and I’m not sure how much foggers will bring down average temperature.

[RJSquirrel]

They won't bring down the temp Bec the foggers make the water warm. That's why the front is open and not enclosed. I do close it at night. It gets cooled from AC in th house and fresh air from a fan located inside and outside the unit. The constant air movement will provide enough to keep the case at about 75 degrees all the time. Not much of a nighttime drop if any at all . That does inhibit blooming. I learn how to grow them 1st bloom them later

[RoutineDisco]

Ok, thanks! I’ll try fans…no blooms for me isn’t too big of a deal as long as they don’t die 😅